Community Leaders Stand United Following Violent Stretch In Oakland

OAKLAND (KCBS) - Community leaders and city officials in Oakland are maintaining a united front against crime following a recent spike in violence over the last week.

Five men were fatally shot in four separate shootings in less than 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday.

Flanked by religious leaders in Oakland Thursday, Police Chief Howard Jordan said he stood resolved in their continued fight against crime.

"The recent uptick in murders, where this city tragically experienced five murders in just an 18 hour period, cannot be allowed to continue," he said.

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

Jordan said the five murders are not connected but that the victims were targeted. Oakland police Capt. Johnny Davis said there have been 94 homicides so far this year, but guns continue to be taken off the streets, with 570 illegal firearms recovered in 2012.

"Oakland is not a place to be feared. Go out and have a good time," Davis said. "Go out to dinner or go out and watch the A's."

A new program, Operation Ceasefire, will be launched in two weeks with an aim of preventing crime, reducing recidivism and building trust.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)